Erasmus+ Publicity Can Help Lower Youth Unemployment – Ashanti Region NSS Director

Introduction

Youth unemployment remains one of the most pressing socioeconomic challenges facing Ghana today. As thousands of graduates exit tertiary institutions and complete their mandatory National Service, the struggle to secure meaningful employment often leads to widespread frustration. However, a potential solution is emerging through international cooperation programs. According to Emmanuel Reagan Fynn, the Ashanti Regional Director of the National Service Scheme (NSS), strategic engagement with European Union initiatives like Erasmus+ could be the key to bridging the gap between education and employment. By advocating for increased government involvement in these programs, the NSS aims to transform theoretical education into practical, globally competitive skills. This article explores how international exposure, specifically through Erasmus+, can serve as a catalyst for reducing youth unemployment and fostering sustainable economic growth in Ghana.

Key Points

Background

The context of this discussion is the rising rate of youth unemployment in Ghana. Despite the acquisition of tertiary degrees and the completion of the mandatory one-year National Service, many young Ghanaians find themselves without a clear career path. This structural unemployment issue has necessitated a search for alternative pathways to employability.

The Role of the National Service Scheme (NSS)

The National Service Scheme is a government initiative designed to deploy eligible Ghanaian graduates to assist in the development of the country. However, the Ashanti Regional Director, Mr. Reagan Fynn, acknowledges that the scheme alone cannot solve the employment crisis. He argues that the NSS must evolve from a mandatory service requirement into a platform for capacity building and international networking.

Introduction to Erasmus+

Erasmus+ is a European Union program that supports education, training, youth, and sport. It offers opportunities for students, teachers, and young professionals to study, train, or gain experience abroad. For Ghanaian youth, access to such programs represents a rare opportunity to acquire skills that are in high demand globally.

Analysis

The proposal to leverage Erasmus+ for youth unemployment reduction is grounded in the concept of “skills transfer.” When young Ghanaians travel abroad, they are exposed to different working cultures, technologies, and management styles. Upon their return, they bring these competencies back to the local market.

Government Involvement and Sustainability

Mr. Reagan Fynn emphasizes that for these initiatives to be sustainable, they must move beyond “one-off” interventions. He calls for the government to take a “prepared hobby” (active interest) in such programs. Without state backing, access to these opportunities remains limited to a select few. Government involvement could facilitate bilateral agreements that secure quotas for Ghanaian participants, thereby institutionalizing the process.

The Information Gap

Dr. Hillary Mireku Botey, a Senior Research Scientist and Project Coordinator for the African Students and Alumni Forum (ASAF), identifies a critical barrier: the lack of information. Many qualified service personnel are unaware of how to access European scholarships. The workshop in Kumasi was designed specifically to dismantle this barrier, providing practical guidance on navigating the application processes for Erasmus+.

Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in the Workplace

It is important to note that the workshop was not solely focused on scholarships. It also addressed Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and sexual harassment. This holistic approach ensures that young people are not only prepared to find work but are also equipped with the knowledge to protect themselves and maintain safe professional environments.

Practical Advice

For National Service Personnel and recent graduates looking to leverage international opportunities, here are actionable steps based on the insights from the NSS Director and Dr. Botey:

1. Stay Informed on International Programs

Many opportunities are lost simply because candidates do not know they exist. Regularly check the websites of the European Union, the British Council, and the ASAF. Follow credible news outlets and NSS regional announcements regarding workshops.

2. Focus on Transferable Skills

As noted by participants like Eunice Eshun, the goal is to bring knowledge back home. When applying for programs like Erasmus+, focus on courses that teach technology, entrepreneurship, or specialized management skills that are currently lacking in the local job market.

3. Utilize NSS Platforms

The NSS is evolving into a recruitment and training hub. Engage with your regional NSS office to express interest in additional training modules. The Ashanti Region, for example, is exploring ways to scale up these workshops.

4. Understand Workplace Rights

Before entering any employment, whether local or international, educate yourself on labor laws and anti-harassment policies. The Kumasi workshop highlighted that professional success includes maintaining a safe and respectful work environment.

FAQ

Conclusion

The call by the Ashanti Regional NSS Director, Emmanuel Reagan Fynn, represents a shift in how Ghana approaches youth unemployment. It is no longer enough to simply educate and deploy graduates; there is a need to actively facilitate global exposure. Programs like Erasmus+ offer a dual benefit: they equip individuals with world-class skills and foster cultural exchange. By bridging the information gap and securing stronger government backing, Ghana can transform its youth from job seekers into job creators and globally competitive professionals. The integration of such international opportunities into the national service framework could well be the turning point in the fight against unemployment.